Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4564, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act, introduced by Representatives Katko, Cardenas, and Representatives Graves and Bishop from Georgia. This legislation will increase the authorization of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline program to $50 million each year through fiscal year 2022. This bill ensures funding is available for the continued operation of the suicide hotline. When an individual in crisis calls the suicide hotline, they can't get a busy signal. This is crucial, again, in this time of economic distress and social isolation. I know we will also consider several other pieces of legislation, including designating 988 as the extension for the national suicide hotline. With more individuals in crisis, more calls will come. We must increase awareness of this critical resource and make it easier to remember the number. We must make sure the national suicide hotline is prepared to deal with those in crisis. This issue has been one of my top priorities in Congress, and I am glad we have been able to work together to get this done. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 1830”